#Beatthereceipt Paperless Pledge to Minimize Paper Waste
In alignment with retail’s shift to digital-first, UK retailers have taken this movement to the next level by committing to the #BeattheReceipt Paperless Pledge. By taking this pledge, retailers are committing to reducing the copious amounts of paper waste that retail operations produce, aiming to have paper receipts be fully optional in their stores by 2023.
While customers will still have the option to request a paper receipt, the automatic printing function on the POS till will be turned off. Thus, this is eliminating the excessive printing of paper receipts that often end up in the trash.
Not only are customers wanting to shop with digital-first retailers, they are also wanting to shop with retailers that are focused on sustainability. In fact, 45% of 18-34 year olds’ now base shopping decisions on the sustainability credentials of the retailer. With the carbon footprint that occurs as a result of the printing of the receipts themselves, #BeatTheReceipt found that over half (51%) of UK shoppers now want the option to refuse a paper receipt at the checkout, with 53% saying that retailers should try to reduce the amount of paper they waste on receipts.
This isn’t the first, and surely will not be the last push to reduce the impact of paper receipts. In the US, #SkiptheSlip began the conversation on the importance of receipt alternatives for retailers. Heavily aligned with California’s goal to reduce its emissions, the bill was brought to the table to similarly shut off the automatic printing of receipts.
Catching the support of big named celebrities such as Jimmy Kimmel, the bill began a long awaited discussion on the future of post-purchase communications.
Stay Ahead of #Beatthereceipt
The pledge is gaining quick momentum among retail and grocery audiences alike. What is currently staying ahead of the game will eventually become a necessity to stay competitive in the retail space.
Our digital receipt product enables retailers to be up and running in a matter of weeks, driving personalized post-purchase communications the moment after purchase. Going beyond the receipt, customers are able to receive personalized offers, product recommendations, surveys, and more, creating an open communication loop between customer and retailer.
See what this would look like for your brand by requesting a free demo here.